During our trip to Thailand, we spent a few days in Bangkok at the beginning and end of our trip, as we were flying in and out of that location. Although I went into the trip thinking that I would not like Bangkok that much, I actually really fell in love with the hustle, bustle and night life. I certainly would not spend an entire trip there, but we had a great time in the city and on day trips outside Bangkok.
I’ve compiled some of our favorite things we did with our few days in Bangkok. Most of these are further outside the city, but were some of our favorites. Bangkok has such an interesting mix of temples and nightlife, you will not be disappointed.
Okay, this is one of the big tourist spots in Bangkok. We often avoid these types of things, but decided we needed the full experience – bright lights, crowded streets, loud music, the whole thing. It was actually pretty fun and I am glad we visited. Complete with buckets of cocktails.
Khoa San Road
Okay, this is one of the big tourist spots in Bangkok. We often avoid these types of things, but decided we needed the full experience – bright lights, crowded streets, loud music, the whole thing. It was actually pretty fun and I am glad we visited. Complete with buckets of cocktails.
It is pretty easy to find as it is right in Bangkok, your hotel or tuk tuk driver can get you there.
Ayutthaya
About 1.5 hours outside Bangkok is the city of Ayutthaya. Here you we found the UNESCO world Heritage Site with four of the cities main temples dating back to 1350 – 1529. It is remarkable what is still standing here and was a humbling experience. We enjoyed lunch at a beautiful little restaurant on the river.
We visited this temple and all the ones around Bangkok by hiring a private driver, paying the entry fee and wandering around ourselves. The private car can be a little pricy, but still cheaper then a tour and gave us way more flexibility.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
There are a number a different floating markets both in and around Bangkok, which the area is famous for. This particular one was a bit more of a trek outside Bangkok, but we again had a private driver take us there and he helped us rent a boat with driver for the afternoon. After paying, we hoped in the boat and headed out. We started outside the market, passing by homes, which gave a unique glimpse of the lifestyle in this area.
It was pretty neat seeing the different shops and haggling from our boat. The boat driver will simply float you beside a shop and they bring the items to you while you look. Some of the larger stores, you can get out and walk around. Sometimes it can feel a bit like they are pushing sales on you, but we enjoyed the unique experience.
There are so many things to see from food, spices, artwork, souvenirs and clothes.
Sea Salt farm
This was not a destination in itself, but we went on the way to the train market. It was super cool to see how they dry sea water to make sea salt to sell. We stopped to take some photos and the kind owner told us a bit about the area.
Mae Klong Railway Market
The super interesting market is about an hour outside of Bangkok in Samut Songkhram. As in the rest of our day trips outside Bangkok, we hired a driver to take us. This market is so unique because it is literally built on top of and around a railway track. Several times a day a train comes through the station and as you hear the horn start honking, all the vendors pull back their awnings and take anything of importance off the track. And in comes the train!
This is very much a food market, so you will not find any souvenairs here, but what a cool experience. It is busy, so get there early enough to find somewhere to stand. Our driver knew the times for the train, which helped.
Sanctuary of Truth and Pattaya City
When in Thailand, visiting the various temples seems like the thing to do. The Sanctuary of Truth was absolutely one of my favourite temples to visit – it is so beautiful and the wooden carving is amazing. This Hindu-Buddhist temple is still under construction and will probably be for some time, however, it is still accessible to visit. There is also a small zoo and some other things to see in the area.
You will be required to cover your legs and shoulder if entering this temple. I was wearing capris, which I thought would be long enough, but they asked me to put on a wrap, which they had available to rent for a deposit. Something I kept in mind at the next temples we would visit.
We also stopped in Pattaya City for some amazing fresh sea food beside the sea.
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